Robinson R22. Photo: Shutterstock Three people were killed when two helicopters collided and crashed near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Oregon on Thursday, October 29, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.
The accident involved a 1995 Robinson R22 helicopter and a 2018 Airbus AS350B3. Witnesses reported the crash at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time near the intersection of SE Amity-Dayton Highway (Highway 233) and SE Cruickshank Road, southeast of McMinnville.
Emergency services, including Yamhill County Sheriff's deputies, McMinnville police officers and Oregon State Police troopers, responded to the scene. Both helicopters were found crashed in a field near the highway.
According to the sheriff's office, two people were aboard the Robinson R22, while the Airbus helicopter was carrying one person. All three occupants were pronounced dead.
The two people aboard the Robinson were identified as flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, 22, of Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom. The student's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The sole occupant of the Airbus AS350B3 was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon.
Jerry Trimble Helicopters confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the incident. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences to those affected and said it was cooperating with emergency services, law enforcement and federal investigators.
The company also thanked first responders for their quick response and asked the public to respect the privacy of the victims and their families.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the collision. The NTSB will lead the investigation and is expected to provide further information as it becomes available.